Patients who require the services of the
Maternal Fetal Medicine Center have access to the following:
For more information about how to schedule one or more of the following services, call 1-877-94U-BABY.
Amniocentesis
Using an ultrasound to guide, a needle is placed through the skin and into the uterus. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed and is studied to evaluate the fetal chromosomes. Amniotic fluid may also give information about lung maturity and the risk of the baby having spina bifida. This procedure can be performed as early as 15 weeks gestation and as late as right before delivery. Using FISH (Florescent In-situ Hybridization), the results can be available in as little as 4-5 days. This testing has to be approved by your insurance company. Otherwise, results are usually available in 1-2 weeks.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS allows evaluation of the fetal cells for genetic disease and offers the unique advantage of providing critical information in the first trimester. Under ultrasound guidance from 10 to 13 weeks gestation, a thin tube is passed through the cervix or a needle through the abdomen and into the placenta to obtain a small tissue sample. Results are often available within a week.
Fetal Echocardiogram
Reserved for patients at risk for genetic heart defects, a pediatric cardiologist uses ultrasound to perform a detailed exam of the baby’s heart.
First Trimester Genetic Screening
Conducted between 11 and 14 weeks gestation, the simple finger stick blood test and non-invasive ultrasound, can detect up to 90 percent of Down syndrome cases. If the results of the blood test and ultrasound indicates that the fetus is at high risk for Down syndrome, the mother can opt to immediately undergo a conclusive diagnostic test called a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or an amniocentesis at 15 weeks gestation or later.
Genetic Counseling
Our highly trained genetic counselors help couples determine if their baby is at risk for a birth defect or genetic disease. Even more importantly, our counselors explain the choices when a concern is found and answer any questions. Your physician may refer you for genetic counseling for many different reasons.
Some common examples are:
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You will be 35 or older at your due date
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An abnormal alpha feto-protein or quadruple screen test that evaluates your risk of a chromosome abnormality in the second trimester
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Someone in your family has a genetic condition or birth defect
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You were exposed to certain forms of medications, infections, radiation or a chemical agents
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You are of an ethnic background that places your baby at risk for a genetically inherited disease.
Non-Stress Test
A non-stress test is a test of the baby’s well-being. A nurse will monitor the baby’s heart rate, movement and contractions over a 20 to 40 minute time period. A Biophysical Profile that observes the baby’s behavior through ultrasound often follows this test.
Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound machines use sound waves to provide information about your developing pregnancy. Ultrasound may provide information including the position of the baby, the number of babies and the amount of amniotic fluid. High- resolution ultrasound can provide a detailed view of the baby and provide information about the baby’s growth. We have the ability to perform 4-D ultrasounds in our unit.